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The Boston Celtics announced today they have exercised the fourth-year (2006-07) option on center Kendrick Perkins.

Originally selected in the First Round (27th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, Perkins has appeared in 70 games for Boston, averaging 2.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 8.3 minutes of action. Perkins appeared in 60 games for Boston last season, including 3 starts, with averages of 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game. Perkins grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds in the Celtics 114-109 win over New York December 22, 2004.

In 2003, Perkins became the first High School player to be selected by the Celtics following a standout career at Clifton J. Ozen High School in Beaumont, Texas. As a senior, Perkins averaged 27.5 points, 16.4 rebounds and 7.8 blocks per game.

InsideHoops.com Editor's View: Perkins hasn't shown much of anything in his young career, but he's not even 21 years old yet (his birthday is in about two weeks). This summer, Kendrick got into much better shape. The Celtics are hoping he develops some game in the next year or two. It certainly makes sense for them to exercise his fourth year option.

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